Opening your heart, the symbolic symbolism of the lotus, and how to do the lotus mudra [Padma Mudra] is all right here.
Her journey seemed arduous. She had to stretch herself to her limits. Once mired in mud, she would ultimately find her way, yet sometimes it seemed as if she was toiling for hours on end. Seemingly in the dark, finding appreciation for where she stood now was a struggle. Still, she made the effort. This time required perseverance since it felt a sense of stagnation. It is hard when you can’t see your way forward.
Resilient with an unyielding spirit, she noticed a glimmer of light through the murky water and moved towards it. Then something changed. It was a shock, a tower moment, and she had to get her bearings.
Her head was above water now. She looked around, and as she turned towards the light, she opened to the truth of what it was, knowing that her dreams become her reality. She is me, and she is you, and she is the lotus.
The lotus flower, a symbol of light and beauty, emerges from the darkness. Its journey from the depths of the bottom of the pond, mired in mud, to bloom on the surface reflects resilience and transformation. Its emergence from muddy waters symbolizes personal growth, development and clarity. Despite its roots in the mud, the lotus remains unstained, representing the ability to rise above challenges and maintain purity. As it unfurls its petals in stillness, the lotus serves as a reminder of the inherent beauty in the world and the aspiration to reach higher.
“There came a time when the risk to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” – Anaïs Nin
This flower embodies the cycle of life as it teaches us about growth, transformation, and the strength found within. By emulating the lotus, we can rise above life’s difficulties as we open to receive and accept all that is right now. Its rising and opening reminds us to open our hearts and embrace the true essence of existence. Its closing points us to rest in stillness.
Known as the Padma Mudra or Pankaj Mudra in Sanskrit, the Lotus Mudra is a hand gesture symbolic of the lotus flower floating above the muddy waters of desire, fear, and attachment. This mudra taps into the energetic qualities of compassion, forgiveness, and affection. Designed to open the heart centre this mudra is linked to love and kindness, the element of air, the intention of truth, and the aspect of being ‘untouched’ or ‘unaffected’ by surrounding darkness or impurity. Its symbolic nature reminds us to reflect on and accept what is right now with an open heart.
Many gods and goddesses are frequently depicted with lotus in their hands, and many spiritual texts in Eastern traditions mention the eminence of the lotus flower. The hard-shelled seeds of the lotus are used in rituals. They are sometimes linked together to craft a string of mala beads. Mala beads are often used to help focus on and count the repetition of sounds (mantra).
Practising this mudra creates an overall feeling of well-being as it balances the heart (Anahata) chakra. The heart (Anahata) chakra is where the lower chakras or our animal nature meet with the higher chakras – our spiritual nature.
Anyone can practise it anywhere and it is especially beneficial for people with prolonged illness, pregnant women and elderly persons.
Ideally, this mudra is done in sitting meditative poses such as Easy Pose (Sukhasana), Auspicious Pose (Swastikasana), Lotus Pose (Padmasana), or Thunderbolt Pose (Vajrasana). Sitting in a chair or standing is also perfectly fine.
How to practise the Lotus Mudra
- Sit or stand in a comfortable position. Close your eyes and take 4-5 breaths.
- Bring the base of your palms together near your heart centre, placing the hands in Anjali mudra or prayer hands, your thumb touching the centre of the chest, the heart sternum. Bringing into your awareness an attitude of gratitude and humility, stay in this pose for 4-5 breaths.
- We transition from the Anjali Mudra into the Padma Mudra by keeping the pinky and thumbs together as we gently release and spread the three middle fingers apart, open to form the lotus. Each finger should be wide apart without touching the other. Stay in the pose with the Lotus Mudra for 4-5 breaths.
- Release the fingers and relax the palms and wrists by placing them gently on the thighs.
Since the Padma Mudra balances the heart (Anahata) chakra, practising it can help you reflect upon the challenges and obstacles you may have had to overcome in order to find yourself where you are right now. The ability to make it through the metaphorical mud and murky waters serves to make us stronger, more resilient, and wiser when we finally emerge and bloom in the world.
If you want to practice yoga with me, I offer a Yoga 101: Introduction to Yoga series at Play: Space Cluj every Monday evening. New weekday morning class starting soon. You can get notified about all of my live classes and workshops by subscribing to my in-person events list here.
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